With Salah Staying, the Reds Shift Their Summer Focus to a New Era of Attack
Liverpool fans had every reason to smile this week. Not only did the club officially secure the services of their most iconic modern player for two more seasons, but they also made a loud and clear statement to the football world: the rebuild is on, but it’s not a reset it’s an evolution.
Mohamed Salah’s new two-year contract, confirmed on Friday, is more than just a signature. It’s a symbolic anchor for the next phase of Liverpool’s footballing project. With Jurgen Klopp departing and Dutch tactician Arne Slot stepping in, there were fears of a complete overhaul. But Salah staying changes the equation and significantly.
According to multiple reports, most notably from BBC Sport, Liverpool will now pivot their summer transfer strategy away from replacing Salah or Virgil van Dijk, and instead focus efforts on bringing in a new striker, defensive reinforcements, and perhaps more a tactical transformation.
Let’s break down what this means for the Reds, where they’re heading, and who might be next to walk through the doors at Anfield.
The Power of One Pen: Why Salah’s Extension Changes Everything
Let’s not understate the importance of this deal. Mohamed Salah, now 32, remains the heart and soul of Liverpool’s front line. His record this season 32 goals and 22 assists in 45 matches is absurd by any standard, let alone for a player supposedly on the “wrong side” of 30.
Keeping him was critical, both on and off the pitch. On it, he continues to be Liverpool’s primary source of goals and assists. Off it, he’s a symbol of continuity and excellence. For incoming manager Arne Slot, having Salah on board is the equivalent of inheriting a cheat code.
As Slot himself put it this week:
“If I put myself in the shoes of a player we might want to sign, it’s always nice to tell them that Mo has extended his contract. That helps. But what helps the most is that we kept a quality player who has scored, for seven or eight years in a row, so many goals for us.”
In other words, Salah’s presence doesn’t just help win games it helps win transfer battles.
With Salah and Van Dijk Staying, Liverpool Can Target the Right Gaps
Virgil van Dijk is also expected to put pen to paper soon, meaning Liverpool’s two biggest leaders are staying put. And that allows sporting director Richard Hughes and manager Slot to focus spending in areas where it’s truly needed.
Top of the list? A striker.
Despite Darwin Núñez’s energetic performances, his finishing inconsistencies paired with Cody Gakpo’s up-and-down form and Diogo Jota’s injury issues have left the Reds craving a more clinical presence in the No. 9 role.
The Big Dream: Alexander Isak
Newcastle United’s Swedish star Alexander Isak is reportedly at the top of Liverpool’s wish list. At 24, Isak has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards lethal in front of goal, intelligent in movement, and technical on the ball.
But there’s a problem: his price tag. Newcastle have no interest in selling, and even if they were tempted, it would likely cost in the region of £150 million. That’s enough to put off even the most ambitious clubs especially with Liverpool also needing reinforcements in other areas.
The Alternative: Hugo Ekitike
With Isak potentially out of reach, Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt has emerged as a more realistic option. The French forward was once linked to PSG and Newcastle, but his career has taken a quieter route since. Still only 22, Ekitike offers pace, flair, and raw potential exactly the kind of profile Liverpool like to mold.
He wouldn’t walk straight into the starting XI, but under Slot’s more fluid attacking systems, he could flourish as part of a new-look front line.
Full-Back Reinforcements Also on the Radar
While the attack is a clear priority, defence hasn’t been forgotten.
One of the biggest underreported stories in Liverpool’s summer plan is the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who’s reportedly agreed a free transfer to Real Madrid in 2025. Though the move isn’t official, it’s serious enough that Liverpool are planning for life without their creative full-back.
On the left, Andy Robertson’s future is also uncertain. Injuries and a slight dip in form have opened the door to competition or replacement.
Who’s on the list?
- Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen): Arguably one of the most exciting attacking full-backs in Europe, Frimpong would offer explosive pace and energy down the right flank. His ability to play wing-back makes him an ideal fit for Slot’s tactical preferences.
- Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth): On the left, Kerkez has been quietly impressive in the Premier League. Still only 20, he brings physicality, aggression, and maturity well beyond his years.
If Liverpool secure both, they’d be well-stocked for the long-term especially considering the heavy tactical demands Slot is likely to place on his full-backs.
Arne Slot’s Tactical Influence: A New Look Liverpool?
The Dutch manager comes with a reputation for attacking, high-pressing, and high-tempo football not entirely unlike Jurgen Klopp, but with subtle differences.
Slot’s Feyenoord side operated with fluidity in possession, often deploying a false nine system or relying on wide forwards to cut inside and create space for late runs. This means the next striker Liverpool sign doesn’t necessarily need to be a traditional poacher they need to be intelligent, technical, and tactically flexible.
Slot is also a believer in attacking full-backs and midfield control so expect Liverpool’s recruitment to target players who are press-resistant and comfortable playing at pace.
Final Thoughts: Salah’s Contract Is Just the Beginning
Liverpool have made the first move of the post-Klopp era and it’s a brilliant one.
By keeping Salah and likely Van Dijk, the Reds ensure that experience and leadership remain central to the squad. But what’s even more important is what this signals: Liverpool aren’t rebuilding from scratch. They’re reloading.
With the right striker and a couple of sharp defensive additions, this team can hit the ground running under Arne Slot. The structure is there. The ambition is obvious. And now, with Salah still scoring and smiling in red, Liverpool fans have every reason to believe that the next chapter could be just as thrilling as the last.
